Develop new strategies to efficiently utilize oat grains in high production dairy cows to maximum economic return and benefit to prairie oat growers

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The present feeding of barley grains to dairy and beef cattle is faced with increasing challenges in terms of animal production and health. The cost of barley grains is variable and has highly increased in recent times, threatening the economic competitiveness livestock production. Alternative of feed resources particularly oat grain with high nutritive value and low cost are required to improve Feed Milk Value (FMV) and improve feeding utilization efficiency for dairy cows. However, how much difference, variation, nutrient availability and internal structure impact between and within varieties and types of oat grain, is unknown. The objectives of this study are to use a systematic approach to develop alternative feeding strategies to more efficiently utilize both feed- and milling-type of oat grain grown in Prairie by integration with or maximum replacing barley in sustainable dairy production for improving animal production and health; To assist dairy industry to develop low-cost/alternative feeding strategies by utilizing alternative feed resources, and To increase economic returns to oat producers and its related industries. The proposed research program includes five projects. In Project 1, we will systematically compare varieties and types of oat grain with common barley to find best variety and type of oat grain with highest FMV for dairy cows. In project 2, we will improve/increase FMV for both feed- and milling type of oat grain through feed processing applications. In Projects 3 & 4, we will to develop alternative feeding strategies to find a maximum or optimal replacement level of barley grain with the feed- and milling-type of oat grain in high production lactation dairy cow. In Project 5, we will develop feeding strategy for both raw and heating-related processed feed-and milling Type of oat grain in high production lactation dairy cows. The final goals are to maximize benefit and economic return to prairie oat growers and advance our current knowledge by increasing and enhancing basic knowledge of the optimal nutrient supply to dairy cattle through oat variety and type selection, feed processing, and optimal feed ingredient blending. The info obtained from this research program will support sustainable development of feed and livestock industry in Canada.